School Lunches in a Snap!

Photo Credit:  www.5dollardinners.com

Looking for some time saving tips for back to school lunch prep?  Searching for ways to get your picky eater to engage with new foods?  Need some ideas for adding a punch of fun to school lunch in general?  Check out these clever but simple suggestions from 5DollarDinners!  I've already picked out a few of my faves...I especially love the idea of using an inexpensive towel roll holder (pictured above) for storing all of my sandwich/cookie cutters!

Allergy Approved Goody Box

Our little big man, Moo, turns 3 at the end of this September and has been chomping at the bit to go to school like his big brothers (ages 4 and 6). So, after much deliberation, we decided to enroll him in the "Young 3s" class at the private preschool and kindergarten his brothers have attended. It meets 2 days per week for 3 hrs. and is focused around child-centered learning activities...right up our ally. However, with any form of school comes birthdays and other in-school celebrations involving sweet nothings and yummy treats...no small thing for a wee one with a host of severe food allergies.


Because of the severity of Moo's allergies, I have a strict understanding with the school that he is to consume only those items which are sent in from home. This goes for both regular snack times and celebrations alike. In order to keep my sweet munchkin from feeling like an outcast at special celebrations in school, I created for him an "Allergy Approved Goody Box". I packed it full of sweet treats that he doesn't have regularly so that it would be special when he is allowed to have something from it. The idea is that whenever there is a party/celebration involving food brought in by someone else, Moo will get to go to his goody box and choose a treat that I can rest assured is safe for him.


Now, before you judge the selection of goodies too harshly, let me remind you that these have to be able to compete with cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and more! They are not all-natural yummies and yes, they do have some artificial this-n-that in them, but he does not eat them all the time and they are intended to be out of the ordinary. And, of course, I must point out the ever important Epi Pen Jr. located at the upper edge of the box (as well as a medication administration plan in his file in the school office)...one can never be too careful when it comes to anaphylaxis.

If you have a little one (or not-so-little one) attending school this year, I would highly recommend talking to his/her teacher and administrator about having a goody box on hand for similar occasions. It certainly has helped to give me a sense of peace about letting my sweet Moo spread his wings and go to school.

Back to School Savings from DealTaker.com

It's so hard for me to believe that my oldest will be starting first grade this year, not to mention #2 being in Pre-K and my little #3 desperately wanting to be in the "Young 3s" class. Although I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that the start of school is right around the corner, the signs are everywhere...Back To School sales signs, that is!

I can't go through some of my favorite hots spots (and yes, I'm a Target girl!) without being bombarded by the plethora of school supplies. And not just in their own section...they're everywhere! On end caps, in the office and general school supplies section, in the art section, in the clothing aisles, and, of course, in the creme de la creme Back To School seasonal section.

Being someone that doesn't mind going to a few different stores if it means getting some great deals, I began my hunt online to find the specials at my favorite stops. In doing so, I stumbled on this great little site called Deal Taker. It's a handy little one-stop-shopping kind of site with everything from Back To School to groceries to travel. Registration is free and members can spread the wealth by posting their own fabulous finds (similar to the other coupon site I posted about HERE).

While many mamas are counting the days until the little ones are back in the classrooms, I must confess that I'm going to miss my little men and am having a hard time with it (another day, another post!). Nevertheless, I need to "woman up" and face the music that school is coming and I need to be prepared. I'm just glad to know that I have multiple resources at my disposal for getting some awesome savings on supplies, even if I am wiping away the tears as I shop for them!

Get Ready for Back to School with My Coupons

It's the middle of July and summer is in full swing. We've been soaking up the sun and having a blast doing all of our favorite outdoor summer activities. However, while doing my weekly grocery and errand run last weekend, I noticed that all of my favorite retailers already have their shelves stocked to the max with Back to School supplies! My eldest starts First Grade this year and I shudder to think what I may spend once the supply list arrives from his new elementary school.

Always up for a sweet deal, I'll be conducting my usual share of online research to find some fabulous coupon codes to help me out. Fortunately for me (and you!), I was recently introduced to My Coupons, a website with coupons listed for over 6,000 merchants. A staggering number, I know, and the best part is that they are adding retailers daily! This user friendly site allows you to search for coupons by store and category and offers both online and printable coupon formats. Another interesting feature is that My Coupons allows anyone to submit a coupon, providing for even more great deals. From general baby products and diapers to school supplies and clothing, there is a wide range of savings to be had.

I was thrilled to see all of the savings available in the Back to School category, but will also plan to load up on deals from the Children's Products, Books and Magazines, and Photography Accessories categories. For those of you who are more visual in nature, here's a handy video tutorial:




A great resource for parents and teachers alike, My Coupons is a great resource for Back to School savings (even for my home schooling friends!) and more.

Mommies United Back To School Giveaway

I'm telling all my mommy friends about a fabulous giveaway by Mommies United in honor of "Back To School"! Enter now to win an impressive basket filled with the following: VTech VMotion TV Learning System, Kraft Bagel-fuls Coupon, Starbucks Coupon for their new Vivanno beverage, Burger King Crown Card and Kids Meal Crayola Back to School Toy, and Brothers All-Natural Fruit Crisps and Potato Chips. Now that's a giveaway worth talking about!

Mommies United is an inventive site full of fabulous reviews, giveaways, and fun activities. It's maintained by 6 wonderfully unique women and is a great resource for mommies of all walks of life! Stop by and check them out today!!